At the SEC's Kickoff '85 in Birmingham, Crimson Tide center Wes Neighbors predicts Alabama will be vastly improved over last year's disappointing 5-6 finish, the first losing season for Alabama since 1957. "We're tired of making excuses," says Neighbors. "It's payback time for Alabama." Neighbors joins head coach Ray Perkins and teammate Kerry Goode at the first SEC Kickoff function which replaces the old Skywriter's Tour.

6-3 slate was highlighted by an 81-0 win over Birmingham Southern, a 20-0 shutout of Clemson and a 6-0 squeaker over Tennessee in Tuscaloosa.

Hargrove VandeGraaf served as team captain and he was one of eight players to score TDs in the route of outclassed Birmingham Southern. In the 6-0 win over Tennessee, Charles Long and Bully VandeGraaf kicked field goals for the lone points of the contest. Due to an inordinate number of injuries, the game, being played on a Friday afternoon, lasted into the dark hours of the eve. Spectators with automobiles were asked to circle the field and turn on their headlights so play could continue. Back in 1901, the First Alabama-Tennessee game was called because of darkness. 6-3 slate was highlighted by an 81-0 win over Birmingham Southern, a 20-0 shutout of Clemson and a 6-0 squeaker over Tennessee in Tuscaloosa.
Hargrove VandeGraaf served as team captain and he was one of eight players to score TDs in the route of outclassed Birmingham Southern. In the 6-0 win over Tennessee, Charles Long and Bully VandeGraaf kicked field goals for the lone points of the contest. Due to an inordinate number of injuries, the game, being played on a Friday afternoon, lasted into the dark hours of the eve. Spectators with automobiles were asked to circle the field and turn on their headlights so play could continue. Back in 1901, the First Alabama-Tennessee game was called because of darkness.

Notes: The 7-0 win over Tennessee in Tuscaloosa marked the seventh straight shutout over the Vols.